FlyersRights.org Lauds DOT Denial of Airline Request for Waiver of Tarmac Delay Rule
WASHINGTON, April 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, FlyersRights.org applauded Secretary Ray LaHood and the U.S. Department of Transportation for denying the requests of five airlines for a temporary exemption from the new rule limiting tarmac delays. Because the DOT has correctly chosen to enforce the new rule in its entirety effective immediately, all U.S. carrier flights covered by the rule will be subject to its terms effective April 29.
"We applaud Secretary Ray LaHood and DOT for standing up for passengers by making sure the airlines do not succeed in delaying or skirting the most important consumer protection rule in the history of air travel," said Kate Hanni, FlyersRights.org founder and President. "Today is an historic day for consumer rights in the United States."
The tarmac delay provision is part of a new airline passenger protection rule, issued last December, for which FlyersRights.org has fought to make a reality for many years. The rule prohibits U.S. airlines operating domestic flights from permitting an aircraft to remain on the tarmac at large and medium hub airports for more than three hours without allowing passengers the option to exit the plane. Exceptions exist for safety or security reasons or controllers inform the pilot that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.
On March 4, JetBlue Airways asked for an exemption from the rule for its operations at New York's JFK Airport until after runway construction is completed. This request was followed by similar requests by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines for their operations at JFK, by Continental Airlines for their flights at New York LaGuardia Airport and Newark International Airport, and by US Airways for Philadelphia International Airport.
"Rather than spending time, money and energy trying to thwart the new rule, they airlines should focus on making sure they comply with this common sense rule which guarantees that passengers will be treated with respect as human beings -- rather than cargo," added Hanni. "DOT has clearly demonstrated today that passenger rights are a top priority for this Administration."
CONTACT: Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org, +1-707-337-0328
SOURCE FlyersRights.org
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